Bigowsky is out as chief, back as patrolman

GIRARD — City officials have decided a demotion to patrolman will be the punishment for Police Chief Frank Bigowsky.

“After reviewing the charges, the evidence against you, and your responses to each of the charges, please be advised that I have determined discipline to be appropriate. Please be advised that you are demoted to the rank of patrolman, effective the close of business on June 25, 2008,” read a letter from Safety Service Director Jerry Lambert.

Mayor James Melfi said Bigowsky has the right to appeal the city’s decision to the civil service commission within 10 days.

“He has the right to appeal the decision to the civil service commission and we would be there to defend our position to the commission,” said Melfi. “We feel very comfortable with the decision. Chief Bigowsky is a poor manager of that department and that is determined by the charges levied by the city. He is not a bad human being or a bad officer, just a poor manager.”

Read more in Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com